Hurricane Matthew - Situation Report No. 4, as of 6 October 2016 – (1700 hours EST)

This report is produced by OCHA in collaboration with humanitarian partners and with inputs from official institutions. It covers the period from 5 to 6 October 2016 at 17:00 hours. The next report will be published on 7 October 2016.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hurricane Matthew is expected to remain a powerful Category 4 as it moves through the Bahamas towards mainland United States.

• In Haiti, 108 people were killed by Hurricane Matthew although this figure is expected to rise.

• Up to 80% of harvest lost in some areas, WFP Office in South-East Haiti indicates.

• Aerial and field assessments began today in Haiti, where it is estimated that over 350,000 people need humanitarian assistance. Very heavy damage is expected in Grand-Anse and the South, particularly in the cities of Les Cayes, Jérémie and Port Salut. However, the assessment phase has only just begun due to severe weather conditions and lack of ground access.

• 90% of homes in the community of Baracoa (Cuba) have been damaged.

• Matthew has forced the evacuation of more than 1.3 million people in the Caribbean.

• The humanitarian community is mobilizing funds to meet the needs of those affected.

Overview

The full extent of the damage in Haiti following the passage of Hurricane Matthew is being compiled, as Government and UN teams in Les Cayes and Jérémie made initial assessments today (6 October). Communications with affected areas in south-west Haiti are still limited, with no mobile communications, and roads are inaccessible due to flooding. Initial coordinated assessments are being organized in the south-west, north-west and central coast (Artibonite). An aerial flight over north-west Haiti has also been organized for 6 October.

Media reports are emerging of more than 100 deaths, as teams begin to reach isolated communities. UNOSAT analysis of the affected areas indicates more than 1 million people may have been affected by the hurricane-force winds and rain, while the Haitian Civil Protection Agency reports that 350,000 people need assistance.

Hurricane Matthew will move across the Bahamas today. Hurricane-force winds extend outwards up to 45 miles (75 kms) from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outwards up to 175 miles (280 km) from the centre.

The tropical-storm warning for Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands has been discontinued. The hurricane is expected to remain a powerful Category 3 or stronger as it moves through the Bahamas. A hurricane warning is in effect for south-eastern Bahamas, central Bahamas and north-western Bahamas, including the Abacos, Andros Island, Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island and New Providence